Franklin Square students welcome wild visitors

Students at the John Street Elementary School in Franklin Square got a surprise visit today from Erik the Reptile Guy, who brought with him a whole menagerie of slithering guests.

Erik Callender, who runs Erik's Reptile Edventures, introduced the kids to a 5-foot long alligator named Wiley, which proceeded to munch on a frozen rat. The students also got a chance to interact with Annie Anaconda and a 10-foot yellow Burmese python named Twinky.

"I think it's important to share these particular animals with kids," Callender says. "I think it's important for me to paint an honest picture about the animal."

Callender is on his way to Madagascar, where he will interview students from about 40 schools in the metropolitan area via Skype.